A COLLEGE’S star performers have won high praise in a national awards scheme that recognises outstanding academic and civic achievements.

Carmel College students Liam White and Robyn Errington-Coates were highly commended by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan after coming runners-up in the Lord Glenamara Memorial Prize, which was set up in 2012 in memory of former Education Secretary Lord Glenamara.

The duo travelled to University College London to receive their awards at a ceremony.

Mrs Morgan said: “This award not only champions high standards in education, but also encourages activities that build character, essential qualities that help prepare our children for life in modern Britain.”

Liam, 16, is part of a working party asked to develop a national manifesto on child poverty which has held discussions at the Houses of Parliament.

The GCSE student also sits on working groups within the local authority and is vice chairman of the Darlington Care Crew, which represents the interests of young people and influences local decision makers.

He is also a Darlington Young Inspector visiting services in the town for young people and feeding back views.

Robyn’s academic achievements earned her high praise too. The sixth former achieved six A*s and five As at GCSE and has been part of various gifted and talented programmes.

The 17 year-old has also involved herself in local affairs, writing to the council about and helping to resolve road safety issues.

A talented musician and a volunteer, she is part of the Sixth Form Leadership Team and contributes to the music society and charities group, including fundraising for the Uganda Choir.